Pittsburgh storms don’t hold back. Hail, high winds, fallen branches, and ice can compromise your roof in a matter of minutes, and the decisions you make in the hours and days immediately after the storm can significantly affect both the extent of the damage and the outcome of your insurance claim.
This guide walks Pittsburgh homeowners through exactly what to do, in the right order, after a storm damages their roof.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Do Not Go on the Roof
Your first priority is personal safety. After a major storm, do not attempt to climb onto your roof to assess damage. Wet surfaces, hidden structural weaknesses, and debris make post-storm roofs extremely dangerous, even for professionals without the right equipment.
Assess what you can from the ground. Look for missing shingles, displaced flashing, damaged gutters, or visible debris. Use binoculars if needed. Take photos from a safe distance.
Also check inside your home. Go into your attic and look for daylight, water staining, or active dripping. Check ceilings on upper floors for water spots or discoloration.
Step 2: Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Before any cleanup or temporary repairs begin, document the damage thoroughly. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
- Photograph the exterior from multiple angles
- Photograph any interior damage — ceilings, walls, attic
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Screenshot or save local weather reports confirming the storm event
- Document damage to gutters, siding, and any exterior structures
The more evidence you have of the pre-repair condition, the stronger your insurance claim will be. Insurance adjusters look for proof that the damage is storm-related and not pre-existing.
Step 3: Protect Your Home With Temporary Measures
If your roof has an active breach, a hole, missing shingles exposing decking, or damaged flashing — temporary protection is necessary to prevent interior water damage from worsening before permanent repairs can be made.
This may mean placing tarps over exposed areas or boarding up openings. However, this work should be done by a professional. Improper temporary repairs can complicate your insurance claim or create additional safety hazards.
PGH Roofing provides emergency roofing services for Pittsburgh homeowners with active roof breaches. If your roof is compromised and more rain is in the forecast, don’t wait — call immediately.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company to Open a Claim
Once you have your documentation and any immediate safety concerns are addressed, contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the damage and open a claim. Do this promptly — most policies have time limits on storm damage claims.
When you call, have the following ready:
- Date of the storm
- Description of the damage you observed
- Photos you’ve taken
- Any emergency repair costs already incurred
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. This inspection is one of the most important steps in the process — and you have the right to have a roofing professional present during it.
Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection, Before the Adjuster Arrives If Possible
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Their job is to assess damage accurately, but they are not roofing specialists, and they can miss damage — particularly to flashing, ventilation components, and underlayment — that isn’t obvious from a surface-level inspection.
Having a professional roofer inspect your roof before or alongside the adjuster gives you an independent, expert assessment of the full scope of damage. This matters because what gets documented in the initial claim determines what gets covered.
PGH Roofing provides professional storm damage inspections and will meet with your adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is properly identified and documented. One of our recent customers had an insurance adjuster make a calculation error that our team caught and corrected — that kind of advocacy can make a significant difference in your claim outcome.
Step 6: Get a Written Scope of Work From Your Roofing Contractor
Once the damage is documented and your claim is opened, get a detailed written estimate from a licensed roofing contractor before any permanent work begins. This scope of work should include:
- All materials to be used (with specifications)
- Labor costs broken down by task
- Timeline for completion
- Warranty information
- Total cost with no hidden fees
Be cautious of storm chasers — out-of-state or transient contractors who appear in high volumes after major storms, pressure homeowners into quick decisions, and often deliver substandard work. Choose a locally based, established company with verifiable reviews.
Step 7: Understand the Supplement Process
Insurance claims for roof damage frequently require supplementing — meaning the initial payout from the insurer doesn’t fully cover the actual cost of proper restoration. This happens when adjusters miss line items, use outdated pricing, or don’t account for code upgrades required by local Pennsylvania building codes.
An experienced roofing contractor will review your insurance estimate and file supplements on your behalf to ensure you receive the full coverage you’re entitled to under your policy. This is a normal part of the insurance restoration process, not an attempt to inflate a claim.
Learn more about how PGH Roofing’s insurance claim assistance works from inspection through final restoration.
Step 8: Schedule and Complete the Permanent Repair or Replacement
Once your claim is approved and your contractor’s scope of work is aligned with the insurance settlement, permanent repairs or replacement can be scheduled. At this stage, confirm:
- Start date and estimated completion timeline
- Who will be on-site and managing your project
- How debris and materials will be handled
- What warranties cover both materials and labor
- Final walkthrough process before sign-off
A reputable roofing company will not ask for full payment upfront. Standard practice is a deposit at the start with the balance due upon satisfactory completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Pennsylvania?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Pennsylvania require storm damage claims to be filed within one year of the date of loss, though some policies have shorter windows. Review your policy carefully and contact your insurer as soon as possible after the storm.
Will filing a storm damage claim raise my insurance rates?
Filing a single weather-related claim generally does not result in a rate increase in Pennsylvania, since storm damage is considered a non-fault claim. However, this can vary by insurer and policy, so it’s worth asking your agent directly.
What if my insurance claim is denied?
A denial is not necessarily final. You have the right to dispute the decision. An experienced roofing contractor can help you document additional damage or file a supplemental claim. You also have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster to represent your interests.
Does PGH Roofing help with the insurance claim process?
Yes. PGH Roofing supports Pittsburgh homeowners through every stage of the storm damage claim process — from the initial inspection and adjuster meeting through supplement filing and final restoration.
How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage to asphalt shingles typically appears as dark, circular impact marks where the granule coating has been knocked off. It can be subtle and is often missed by homeowners — and sometimes by adjusters. A professional inspection is the only reliable way to assess hail damage accurately.